Menu Planning #8 + No bake Cranberry Crunch Bites

What have you been eating lately? I suddenly find myself craving sweet potatoes, soups and stews, so that’s largely what our week looked like. My two favorite meals from the past week were Curried Squash Stew and Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili. I love that you can throw almost anything into chili and it is delicious.

I’m looking forward to the easy cooking week! And I hate throwing food away, so we will do our best to eat all our perishable foods before we go. It’s always a tricky balance to determine how much to buy so that we have enough produce, but not more than we need.

Last week as I was perusing the bulk bins at Whole Foods, I picked up dried bananas for L as a little treat. Unfortunately, neither she or I were a big fan of them, so I was looking for a way to use them. It turns out they are delicious combined with cranberries and nuts! So here’s a simple holiday no bake “cookie” option…

No Bake Cranberry Crunch Bites

3/4 c. dried bananas

3/4 c. dried cranberries

3/4 c. almonds (I use raw)

1/2 tsp vanilla

dash cinnamon or ginger

Throw everything in a food processor and blend until the mixture is beginning to stick together. Roll into balls. (If the mixture is not sticky enough, process longer).

The dried bananas gave these a nice crunch, and made it a sweet treat.

Thanks for everyone who entered the PopChips giveaway last week. The winner is Amy from Running Escapades!

29 comments to Menu Planning #8 + No bake Cranberry Crunch Bites

I too am eating tons of sweet potatoes. I love them with coconut oil. What a creative way to use up the dried bananas. We too are traveling…to the IL’s in NC.Marcia recently posted..The Scream Heard Round the World

Laura, you could have been a chef. Your food always looks amazing. We are staying home this Thanksgiving and it’s just my family, but I plan on making a huge feast. T-Day is my favorite holiday, I also love to cook and love that there is no crazy present opening etc. the best holiday ever, food and family! Have a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving!Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..Malibu Marathon Race Recap- November 2012

Thank you, Kaylie! I think they enjoy it most of the time… until my husband watches football and starts craving chicken wings. Good thing he can get his fill of meat this week. Laura recently posted..Menu Planning #8 + No bake Cranberry Crunch Bites

Thanks for sharing the no bake cranberry crunch bites. I may steal it and use it for little appetizer or dessert for upcoming parties. Great idea. I do agree the dried bananas will give a nice little bite and crunch!

You are so smart to use the dried bananas for the cranberry crunch bites. I once bought a giant bag of dried blueberries thinking my daughter would love them. She didn’t…at all. I ended up throwing them out. I need to get more creative, like you! Thanks for including my slow cooker soup in your menu planning. Very exciting. I hope you like it. I’m happy for you that you have a bit of a break from cooking this week. That’s always nice! JoannJoann @ Woman in Real Life recently posted..The Lake

I recently made a sweet potato, butternut squash stew with quinoa that was so yummy. I’ve been craving sweet potatoes too but have been too lazy too cook them. I’m not quite sure how that works but it’s true. Or else the boys eat them all before I get to them!! We’ll be home on actual Thanksgiving day and then head to my in-laws over the weekend.Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Friday Round-up: Gifts and Gratitude

Yum, cranberry bites look amazing! Great round up of recipes! I’ll try to link up on Monday, my MIL made a surprise visit today from Miami. Hoping to get things accomplished while she’s staying with us.Lisa {Smart Food and Fit} recently posted..My Favorite Things in November

Hi! I'm Laura- a Holistic Health Coach and RRCA running coach in the greater NYC area with an MSW. I love helping other moms and athletes meet their health and fitness goals especially overcoming sugar cravings, finding the best foods for their individual body type, and practicing self-compassion in the process.
For individualized health and nutrition coaching, visit LauraPeifer.com.

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I am not a licensed medical professional. All views expressed on this website are based on my own personal research and experiences. Please consult your doctor with any medical issues, or before beginning a training program.